It travels through the remote part of Lunana
district and it is the most difficult trek in
Bhutan. The combination of distance, altitude,
remoteness and weather conditions makes this
trek very tough in The Kingdom. But it is very
adventurous and interesting.
Day 01 : Paro
Fly from Bangkok to Kingdom of Bhutan.
On the flight, you can see breathtaking views
of the Great Himalayas. Upon arrival at Paro
International Airport, you will be welcomed
to the Kingdom by your guide from Travel Agent.
After lunch: visit to Ta- Dzong. It was built
in 17th century to protect the Paro Dzong. In
1968 it was turned to a National Museum of Bhutan
and it has got varieties collection of Thangkas
and many things.
Day 02 : Paro Sightseeing. Altitude:
2250 M.
Early morning start from the hotel
and drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong to
see the view of Mt. Chomolhari (7315m). Drive
back to Sartsam Chorten and walk up to the Taktsang
monastery (Tiger nest) viewpoint. It is believed
that Guru Rimpoche, who brought Tantric Buddhism
to Bhutan in the 8th century, meditated here.
The monastery was built later in the 17th century
on the same site. In April 1998, a fire destroyed
the main structure of the buildings and the
religious contents. A complete restoration was
done and as resulted built exact as original
one. This place beholds the history of the hidden
land. The walking time is approximately five
hours. But depend on one’s pace.
When we reach to main road turn to right and
dive further to Drukgyel Dzong. Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyel built it 1649. It was caught fire in
1951. On the way back we will visit one of the
oldest monastery that we have in Bhutan. The
first King of Tibet Songtsen Gampo built this
Kichu Lhakhang in 7th century to diffuse Buddhism
into our country.
Day 03 : Paro - Punakha
Drive to Punakha via the Dochula pass (3050
m), through magnificent forests of rhododendron
and magnolia. From the pass one can see the
panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas and
enticing views. Check in and lunch at hotel.
Enjoy the view of the Dzong, built in 1637 during
the time of Shabdrung. The Dzong is now used
as the winter residence of the Monk body and
it is built in between the two Rivers, which
is called Mo – Chu, and Po – Chu.
“ Means” (Female & Male) Camp
Tashithang. Altitude 1,600m.
Day 04 : Tashithang – Damji.
Walking times. 5-6 hours
The trek starts by the side of the
river, following a well-made path through semitropical
forests. This part of the area is quite wet
and one has to watch out for leeches. There
are also lots of wild orchids around for those
who love flowers. The day walk is fairly gentle,
climbing up to Damji village. Overnight Camp.
Damji. Altitude 2250m.
Day 05 : Damji - Gasa. Altitude 2,900m.
Walking time 6-7 hours.
The path continues through subtropical
forests and villages up to Gasa Tsachu (hot
spring). The Tsachu is a famous place where
many people from all over Bhutan come to bathe
for its curative powers. There are four pools,
ranging from mild to hot to suit the temperature.
Hot lunch will be served here. After lunch,
2 hours stiff climb to Gazing and camp below
the Dzong.
Day 06 : Gasa - Chamsa. Altitude 3650m.
Walking time 6-7 hours.
After breakfast visit the Dzong which
was built in the 17th century to protect the
valley against Tibetan invaders. The path starts
with stiff climb up to Bele la pass (3,700m)
through bamboo and rhododendron to juniper and
fir forests. The climb up to pass will take
around 5 hours. The descend will be about half
- hour to camp at Chamsa. Overnight Camp.
Day 07 : Chamsa - Laya. Altitude: 3,800
m. Walking time: 8-9 hours.
The path starts by descending to the
bank of Mo Chu River. It goes up and down again
to detour back up the hillside, to avoid the
steep spur. Lunch will be served at the side
of bridge across the river. After lunch climb
up gradually to Laya, crossing the army camp.
Overnight Camp. Laya village.
Day 08 : Rest day at Laya for acclimatization.
One can go around the village visiting
the houses and people. The Laya people are very
fascinating and friendly and will happily pose
for photographs. The women in Laya wear a very
special dress. In evening cultural dance or
show will be organized with local girls from
Laya with campfire. Overnight Camp.
Day 09 : Laya - Rhodophu. Altitude:
4350 m. Walking time: 8-9 hours.
From Laya descend to army camp and continue
following the river till the turn of point to
Rhodophu. After lunch continue the climb through
rhododendron bushes until the camp. Overnight
Camp.
Day 10 : Rhodophu - Tarina. Altitude:
3980 m. walking time: 10-11 hours.
This is the longest day of the trip and therefore
very essential to start very early. We start
at 5 am by climbing to Tsimola (4,700 m). After
crossing the first pass and at the little summit
one can have a superb view of Lunana. Chomolhari
and Jichu Drakey. The path is flat for another
four hours till the climb to Gangla Karchung
la pass (5,080 m).
The view from the pass is breath taking. The
whole range of mountains, including Masagang,
Tsende Gang, and Teri Gang can be seen. After
the pass there is a very long descent to Tarina
valley. Overnight Camp.
Day 11 : Tarina -Wache. Altitude: 3800
m. walking time: 6-7 hrs.
The day is much easier as the path
follows the river down valley. The lunch will
serve at the lowest Point of today it is (3500
m). After lunch climb up about 300 meters to
the village of Woche. Overnight Camp.
Day 12 : Woche - Lhedi. Altitude: 3650
m.
The trek starts through juniper and
fir forests and then through rhododendron gushes.
We climb up to Keche la pass (4,480 m) where
one can have a great view of the mountains.
After the pas, descend to the riverside walking
through the village with stunning views of Table
Mountain and others. Follow the river, one of
the main sources of Pho Chu, till Lhedi village.
Day 13 : Lhed - Thanza. Walking time:
7-8 hours.
The trek continues following the river,
rising gradually to Choejong village. After
lunch visit the Choejong Dzong and continue
towards the wide valley. Cross the bridge to
reach Thanza. Overnight Camp. 4000 m.
Day 14 : Rest day at Thanza.
One can walk around or climb up the ridge to
see the view of the lakes and mountains.
Day 15 : Thanza - Tsorim. Walking time:
8-9 hours.
The trek starts with climb up to the
ridge with great view of the Table Mountain
and Thanza valley below. The ridge altitude
is 4,500 m and rises gradually up to 4,650 m
near by the Foot Bridge. After lunch walk up
towards the left side of the bridge enjoying
the views of the snow peaked mountains. Climb
up ridge after ridge until you reach the camp
at Tsorim at the altitude of 5,150 m. Then down
to the camp at 5125 m.
Day 16 : Tsorim - Gangkar Phuensum
base camp. Walking times: 6-7 hors.
This is the highlight of the trip and
we start the day with a short climb to the Tsorim
lakes. Walk on the side of the lake enjoying
the panoramic views of the Gophula ranges. The
last climb to Guphola pass (5,230 m) is very
short. After the pass descend to the base camp
walking along the ridge.
Enjoy the great view of Gangkar Phuensum. Those
with a lot of energy can divert to the left
side to the left side to climb up the pyramid
peak for better view, others can go down to
the base camp nearby Sha Chu at the altitude
of 4,970 m.
Day 17 : Rest day at the base camp.
Enjoy the great view and hike glacier
of Gangkar Phuensum.
Day 18 : Base camp - Geshe Woma. Walking
time 6-8 hours.
Time to leave the beautiful mountains,
but the trek is far from over. The path follows
the Sha Chu and descends gradually to Geshe
Woma at the altitude of 4,200 m.
Day 19 : Geshe Woma - Warathang. Walking
times: 8-9 hours.
The path continues following Sha Chu
for two and half-hours until the stiff climb
to Sakala begins. Visibility along the Sakala
trail is poor so one must watch the top of the
ridge for guidance.
Lunch will be served by the side yak herder’s
camp. After lunch climb up to Sakala pass at
the altitude 4,800m. Descend to the lakes and
another short ascent to Wartangle pass (4,590
m). The scenery once again is stunning with
small lakes and the mountain peaks. Overnight
Camp. Altitude: 4000m.
Day 20 : Warthang - Dur Tsachu. Walking
times: 5 hours.
A short half- hours climb to Juelela,
(4400m). After the pass descend to the riverside
through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer
forest. After the bridge a little climb to Dur
Tsachu hot spring, where Guru Padmasambava is
supposed to have bathed in this hot spring Overnight
Camp.
Day 21 : Dur Tsachu - Tshochenchen.
Walking times: 8-9 hours.
Today we go across the last pass of
the trip (Juelela pass). From the spring it
is a long and steady climb again with great
views of the mountains in Lunana. One comes
across blue lakes and yak herders camps to arrive
at the Thochechen. Overnight Camp. Altitude:
3,850 m.
Day 22 : Tshochenchen – Dur Jakar.
This is the last day of the trek. Here
we change from yak to pack ponies for carrying
trekking gear. The path follows the Chamkhar
Chu, descending gradually with few climbs. The
trek ends when you arrive at Dur village. Then
drive to Bumthang. Overnight.
Day 23 : Jakar – Gangtey - Wangdi.
Distance 193KM. Driving- 8 hours
Gangtey Gomba was built in small hillock
surrounded by the blue pine trees and it was
found by the descended of Pema Lingpa. The great
Bhutanese saint from Bumthang in 16th century
and Nyimpa Monastery.
At the end of 17th century it was enlarge once
and at present it is headed by the 9th reincarnation
called Gantey Trulku. At present it is under
renovation and it is ring with family house
of Gomchens (Lay man) who work and worship at
monastery.
Further down you will reach to Phobjikha valley.
This place is reserved for the migration of
black Neck Crane. The people out here has become
friendly with the endanger species and every
consecutive year starting from 2nd week of November
to 1st week of April. The fields and marshes
of this undisturbed valley is truly sight as
you watch the cranes. Overnight Wangdue.
Day 24 : Wangdue- via Thimphu- Paro.
Distance-142Km. Driving –5Hours
An early breakfast drive to Thimphu
for our lunch, sightseeing and as well shopping
for souvenirs. Visit Textile Museum, Folk Heritage
Museum, Changangkha Monastery and if it is Sunday.
Visit Sunday market it is very interesting place
to see as lot people gather to sell their things
from Handicraft to vegetables. In an evening
drive to Paro.
Day 25 : Departure
Our representative will bid you a farewell
and safe journey back home